Lil’ Kim’s manager
Damion Butler pleaded guilty yesterday for his participating in a broad-daylight
shootout in front of Hot 97’s New York offices in February of 2001, which
was allegedly sparked by a rivalry between members of Lil’ Kim’s entourage
and associates of Capone-N-Noreaga.
Prosecutors claim that Butler
and bodyguard Suif Jackson shot at Capone-N-Noreaga’s entourage, after
words were exchanged over a CNN song titled “Bang Bang,” which featured
Foxy Brown lyrically aiming at Lil’ Kim.
On man was injured with
a gunshot wound to the back.
On Friday (Jan 28), Butler
admitted that he fired a handgun outside of the radio station “with the
intent of hurting someone.”
Butler, who was facing 15-years
in prison if he had been convicted, also pleaded guilty to conspiring to obtain
and traveling under a phony passport.
Lil’ Kim, who is charged
with conspiracy, obstruction of justice, perjury and lying to the federal grand
jury that was investigating the 2001 shootout, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Lil’ Kim, born Kimberly
Jones, was freed on $500,000 bond, after surrendering in a federal court in
New York. Kim’s attorney called the charges baseless.
Prosecutors claim Kim refused
to tell police the identities of those present. She also claimed that she had
left prior to the shooting, but reports suggested local surveillance cameras
caught her limo slowing down as the gunmen jumped in and sped off.
Also charged were Suif Jackson
and a friend, Monique Dopwell, who all pleaded innocent as well.
Kim testified before the
grand jury on three occasions, claiming that Butler was not at the radio station
the day of the shooting and that she didn’t know Jackson.
Prosecutors pointed to album
notes, in which she thanked Jackson and claimed that all three were members
of Junior M.A.F.I.A.
Prosecutors also indicted
Kim’s business manager, Hillary Weston, for allegedly destroying records. Weston
is free on $50,000 bail.
Lil’ Kim, Suif
Jackson and Monique Dopwell will stand trial on February 28.
